Core systems in major export success

Mar 18, 2008

Core Systems, the Belfast-based specialist in identity management technology, has set up an operation at Santa Rosa, California, operating under the name of Tusa Inc. The company also signed an initial £50,000 contract in Malaysia during the recent Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to South East Asia.

Ranked three years running in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50, Core Systems has developed a range of leading-edge technology solutions aimed at police and prison services worldwide. The Malaysia deal will see the company supply its integrated security management system to a major contractor in the country for use in new police stations. Core Systems will also supply their electronic control system into Malaysia through a related deal with Pickersgill Kaye, a British custodial lock manufacturer.

The Santa Rosa operation will market InfoCenter, a multi purpose interactive kiosk designed specifically for the corrections environment. It provides an interface for inmates to access information directly and make service requests. Core Systems has linked up with Touch Sonic, a Californian technology business, which focuses on touch screen kiosk applications for law enforcement and corrections industries.

Patricia O'Hagan, Managing Director of Core Systems, said: “Touch Sonic Technologies, Inc. brings a wealth of professional experience to the partnership including design and development of kiosk technology. The combination of our joint expertise makes us well placed to bring leading edge inmate communication solutions to our target markets on a global scale.”

She adds: “We are beginning to reap the benefits of a substantial investment in the development of the new products which are based on contacts with potential customers in key markets such as the US and from our focus on building international partnerships.

“This strategy has enabled us to create innovative technology that meets their specific needs. We’ve also benefited enormously from advice and guidance from a number of organisations in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

“Invest NI has helped us substantially with new product development, essential market research particularly in the US, with in-market support, management support, sales training and, most recently in the creation of our new corporate identity.

“We really couldn’t have achieved what we have so far without Invest NI’s encouragement and very practical support,” she adds.

Welcoming the company’s commitment to growth through exports, Alan Hingston, Invest NI’s Trade Director, says: “Core Systems has adopted a very structured approach to the sales outside Northern Ireland and has taken full advantage of the comprehensive client focused services and knowledge that we offer all companies wishing to access opportunities that exist in target markets.

“It is now experiencing tangible benefits from this impressive commitment and is positioned to achieve accelerated growth in business abroad,” he adds.

Formed in 1994, Core Systems currently employs 22 people at its base in North City Business Park on Belfast’s Duncairn Gardens.